Answer These Questions to Help You Make the Best Medicare Coverage Choices

Your Care

Do you intend to keep the same doctor?
Some doctors take original Medicare but don’t participate in Medicare Advantage Plans. Other doctors do the opposite. Ask your doctor’s office what coverage they accept before you make a decision about switching to a different physician.

Do you realize that each Part D prescription plan differs over which drugs it covers and these drugs are covered?
Take the time to compare plans and choose the one that makes the most sense for you. If you have questions about your Part D plan, we’re here to help.

Did you check to see if you can save money at your pharmacies?
Many Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans offer lower cost-sharing drugs if you go to the plan’s preferred drug store or get your medications delivered by mail.

Your Coverage

Are you covered through your job or your spouses’ job?
If you have group health insurance through a company with 20 or more employees, you can delay signing up for Medicare without getting a penalty. However, you must sign up with eight months after your employment or coverage ends. If you work for a company with less than 20 employees, you will need to sign up for Part and B as soon as you are eligible to avoid any penalties.

Do you have coverage through ACA (Affordable Care Act)?
If you are eligible for a tax credit, you might want to stick with your ACA plan because it makes it cheaper than the Medicare Part B premium. But, once you turn 65, you are no longer eligible for that tax credit. And, if you don’t switch to Medicare when you are eligible you could face a yearly lifetime 10% late enrollment fee.

Do you have retiree health insurance through your employer?
Don’t delay, sign up for Medicare as soon as you are eligible for Medicare Part B or you will face a penalty.

Where you live

Do you live in a rural area?
Check your coverage or give us a call because your coverage may be limited beyond standard Medicare. Some residents can’t get Medicare Advantage in their area or in-network providers are far away. We’ll help you figure out what makes sense for you.

Do you have a second home?
If you split your year between two states, make sure to check what your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan covers. You don’t want to face out-of-network charges or treatments that aren’t covered at all. This isn’t a concern with original Medicare, which covers services from any authorized provider, no matter the location.